"Coins Upon The Eyes" by Exhumed explores the themes of mortality, greed, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The lyrics metaphorically depict a person's journey from birth to death, highlighting the concept of paying for one's existence. The song begins by instructing the listener to place coins upon their eyes, which symbolize the final payment in a "necrotic tithe." This represents the cost or toll of living, where the gleam of material wealth blinds individuals to the true value of life. The phrase "filthy lucre's gleam" refers to the corrupting power of money, leaving the person worn and torn at the seams. It suggests that pursuing material wealth ultimately leads to a hollow existence. The lyrics describe the individual as a rented corpse, hinting at the transient nature of life and the ultimate feast for necrovores (creatures that feed on dead flesh). The chorus emphasizes the irony of paying to live and then paying to die. It criticizes the societal expectation of accumulating wealth only to ultimately lose it all in death. The second verse portrays life as a gradual process of decay and loss. It describes a metaphorical bleeding, where the individual's life is figuratively hemorrhaging, representing the sacrifices made and experiences lost. Finally, as the person pays the final fee, their existence comes to an end in a literal sense. The lyrics explore the idea that evil's influence persists even after death. The legacy left behind is tainted, as the individual's wealth is "wrenched" from their cold dead hands and contributes to the stench of death. The concept of mortgaged life alludes to a life lived with regret, as the person realizes the consequences of their choices. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and death. The lyrics evoke a sense of inevitability, suggesting that everyone will eventually come to terms with their own mortality and face the consequences of their actions. The final section of the song portrays death as a cost that demands payment. It describes the financial burden of death, indicating that it will cost the individual not only their wealth but also their sweat and blood. The coins falling on dead ears symbolize the futile nature of material possessions in the face of death. The lyrics suggest a society consumed by greed and materialism, where individuals are trapped in a cycle of accumulating wealth only to lose it all in death. It serves as a bleak commentary on the fleeting nature of life and the consequences of prioritizing material gain over true fulfillment.
